A Little Different Sunday

I have a little unusual Sunday. I'm heading to lunch with the girlfriend who had to cancel plans last week. Sundays are usually reserved for families, but we both had availability. I know I'll be confused about the day of the week all week lol.

The week ahead is relatively unstructured -- and actually kind of empty until Thursday (heading to NY for a wedding with the entire family -- minus the baby). I have things to do, but I could use some moments to refocus. Quiet, reflective time. Outdoor time that's not rushed (weather looks amazing). Possible first frost so I'll need to cover greens. Garden is close to ending for the season. 

A beautiful weather, quiet week and I want to take advantage of it. I've been asking myself "how can I be her now" or "how can I live this now" based on a new focus of future self. I want to lean into that this week. I'll report back on what I noticed. I find the more rushed my time, the less I lean into the things that make me feel good. Slowing down, present, noticing helps a lot to see moments to be her now. I missed a big moment last week because I was grumpy and rushed.

Grand dogs head home today -- very short visit and that was plenty. I love them, but it's SO MUCH work. The poodle got stuck behind the washer and drier within 15 minutes of being here. The chihuahua is fighting her meds. 4 little (crazy) dogs is too much -- at least we're used to our dogs, but the addition of 2 changes the dynamics exponentially (!!)

Cloud bed.

Happy in the yard.

There's a poodle in this picture.

Rescued.

An area I'm focusing a little harder on for this next year (aka future self evolution) is creativity. It helps me get in touch with myself and connect with others. Martha Beck's book comes out about anxiety and creativity next year too. This has been a little push to remind me how much I like tapping into my creativity -- and maybe helping anxiety too.

Here's a little rundown of some things in the works.

I ordered samples of peel and stick wallpaper for my workout room. It would be nice to cozy up the space. Part of living this now -- aesthetics play a role. If I don't like any of the samples, I'll frame them. There's a little cut out area that screams to be decorated. When the samples come, I'll take pictures to show you what I'm talking about. I don't want to repaint so it'll need to look nice with the current color. I have other ideas if the wallpaper doesn't work out. 

Another creative project slowly ramping up is the second wave of the garden space. The space behind the garden. I'd like to make a flower picking area for next year with a little path so they don't get stomped. I'll hire gardeners to do the work, but I need to plan the space. 

And, of course, I'm working on planning the spa shower and rehersal dinner early next year. It's time for the personal, creative touches. Host stress is very real for me and the dreams have already started (remember the baby shower!!!!). Priya Parker ("Art of Gathering" author) had a webinar on hosting. I attended and got sucked into signing up for her course on hosting with intention (discount from the webinar). It starts in January -- 7 weeks. Hosting (connecting) is another important part of what I want to grow next year. I think this course will serve me well -- I've learned and incorporated a lot of her ideas and they work well.

I also want to do another Christmas craft. Last year was dried citrus (doing it again) and little yarn hats for candy. I think I'm going to make picture ornaments from mason jar lids. I have one from almost 50 years ago of me and it would be fun to make for our grandson and engagement photos too.

Okay, dogs are swirling to go out -- best move it along. Have a good Sunday. Later gators.